Emmanuel OchayiThe Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Tosan Erhabor, has raised concern about the rising trend of migration of medical personnel.
According to him, no fewer than 10,697 laboratory scientists have gone abroad in pursuit of better opportunities.
“The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” Erhabor said.
He emphasized that in 2023 alone, over 4,504 professionals left the country, attributing the exodus to various factors such as poor remuneration, career uncertainty in teaching hospitals, and the desire to pursue further studies or enhance their skills abroad.
He noted that the Federal Ministry of Health is developing a policy aimed at regulating the migration of Nigerian health workers, with a focus on addressing the reasons prompting their departure.
He highlighted the importance of a safe and conducive work environment and mentioned the government’s consideration of reviewing health professionals’ minimum wage and specific allowances to bolster their productivity.
The migration is also linked to broader issues such as security concerns, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of modern equipment, and the rising cost of living. Erhabor emphasized the impact these challenges have on professionals’ abilities to provide basic care and quality education for their families.
Efforts are underway to mitigate these challenges and retain skilled healthcare workers in the country, with the hope that improved conditions and policies will slow down the alarming rate of migration among medical laboratory scientists.
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